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Rival CEO
One night wasn’t supposed to be the rest of my life.
Justin is a whirlwind of brilliance and ambition that sweeps everyone along with him—including me.
The first kiss was an accident.
One taste before he moved to California, and I needed to figure out my life.
We were supposed to keep it casual.
But then he invited me to join him.
He’s the only one who believes in me.
He does everything full-throttle, including pursue me.
I can’t say no.
I wasn’t supposed to fall in love.
But I can’t stop myself.
I can’t lose myself in the whirlwind of Justin Capriotti.
Rival CEO is the first book in the Billionaire Secrets series— a four book series that delves deep into the high-stakes world of San Francisco's tech industry, where corporate espionage meets the complexities of the four founders’ hearts. Let the suspense and romance begin!
Justin is a whirlwind of brilliance and ambition that sweeps everyone along with him—including me.
The first kiss was an accident.
One taste before he moved to California, and I needed to figure out my life.
We were supposed to keep it casual.
But then he invited me to join him.
He’s the only one who believes in me.
He does everything full-throttle, including pursue me.
I can’t say no.
I wasn’t supposed to fall in love.
But I can’t stop myself.
I can’t lose myself in the whirlwind of Justin Capriotti.
Rival CEO is the first book in the Billionaire Secrets series— a four book series that delves deep into the high-stakes world of San Francisco's tech industry, where corporate espionage meets the complexities of the four founders’ hearts. Let the suspense and romance begin!
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2024
About the author
Ainsley St. Claire
46 books256 followersAinsley St Claire is a Romantic Suspense Contemporary Romance Author and Adventurer on a lifelong mission to craft sultry storylines and steamy love scenes that captivate her readers.
An avid reader since the age of four, Ainsley’s love of books knew no genre. After reading, came her love of writing, fully immersing herself in the colorful, impassioned world of contemporary romance.
When she isn’t being a bookworm or typing away her next story on her computer, Ainsley enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. She is happily married to her incredible soulmate and is a proud mother of two rambunctious boys. A scotch aficionada and lover of good food (especially melt-in-your-mouth, velvety chocolate) St Claire has an appreciation for the finer things without pretention. Travel and adventure have taken her around the world, getting inspiration for many of her stories from the characters she meets and observes along the way.
To find out more about Ainsley St Claire both creatively and personally, feel free to visit her official website at www.ainsleystclaire.com or follow her on social media (@ainsleystclaire). St Claire always loves to hear from her readers so feel free to reach out via ainsley@ainsleystclaire.com
An avid reader since the age of four, Ainsley’s love of books knew no genre. After reading, came her love of writing, fully immersing herself in the colorful, impassioned world of contemporary romance.
When she isn’t being a bookworm or typing away her next story on her computer, Ainsley enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. She is happily married to her incredible soulmate and is a proud mother of two rambunctious boys. A scotch aficionada and lover of good food (especially melt-in-your-mouth, velvety chocolate) St Claire has an appreciation for the finer things without pretention. Travel and adventure have taken her around the world, getting inspiration for many of her stories from the characters she meets and observes along the way.
To find out more about Ainsley St Claire both creatively and personally, feel free to visit her official website at www.ainsleystclaire.com or follow her on social media (@ainsleystclaire). St Claire always loves to hear from her readers so feel free to reach out via ainsley@ainsleystclaire.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 24, 2024
The Energy of Love
College graduation is a significant moment in an individual’s life. For many graduates and their families, the event becomes a point of demarcation between the dependence of youth and the independence of adulthood as the graduate looks hopefully towards employment related to his major. And, so to mark the achievement of years of study, the graduate’s family and college friends gather to celebrate the accomplishment, and hopefully, the beginning of independence as an employed—or employable—skilled adult.
And, Georgia Tech senior, Justin Capriotti, graduating with a major in engineering, understands that while graduation is a significant moment, that moment—at least for him and his teammates—Austin Sands, Rhys Smalls, and Theo Reed—is challenged for importance by a tech competition being held just prior to graduation. The winning technology team will be offered the opportunity to be shepherded through the startup phase at an incubator sponsored by SHN, one of the US’s premier corporate venture capitalists. SHN will offer the winning inventors the opportunity to be financed and supported for a year in a start-up incubator as the winning team works to refine and polish their new technology for a share of EnergiFusion’s future value.
Justin and project teammates, Austin, Rhys, and Theo—naming their collaboration EnergiFusion—have created a battery which could replace the concept of a combustion engine as the source of power. And, the innovative battery will be demonstrated in an engine crafted by another friend, Turner Bishop. And while the battery team’s future is dependent on an engineering student who is also a musician, a singer for a local band—Velvet Anomaly—which just got a major record deal, having an engine to demonstrate the possibilities of the innovation tof the battery as the power source is essential.
But, for Justin, as exciting as graduation, the competition, and the well-wishes of friends and family is the chance encounter with a GT co-ed, a junior mathematics major with golden blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes and a sweetness that he has never encountered. Crystal Brown brings a calming peace to Justin in a way he has never experienced. And, since their unexpected meeting, they have spent very little time apart. And, amid all the busyness of the end of college days, the tech competition and the arrival of his awkwardly divided family who are gathering for his graduation, Crystal settles his soul and lightens his heart in ways he has never encountered.
Once more Ainsley St. Clair offers her readers a new exciting series of bright, engaging, creative individuals on the cusp of discovering their destiny in work and in love. I can’t wait to follow the challenges and success in life and love of the EnergiFusion team.
I received this romance as ARC, but have purchased a copy for my personal collection of St. Clair romances.
College graduation is a significant moment in an individual’s life. For many graduates and their families, the event becomes a point of demarcation between the dependence of youth and the independence of adulthood as the graduate looks hopefully towards employment related to his major. And, so to mark the achievement of years of study, the graduate’s family and college friends gather to celebrate the accomplishment, and hopefully, the beginning of independence as an employed—or employable—skilled adult.
And, Georgia Tech senior, Justin Capriotti, graduating with a major in engineering, understands that while graduation is a significant moment, that moment—at least for him and his teammates—Austin Sands, Rhys Smalls, and Theo Reed—is challenged for importance by a tech competition being held just prior to graduation. The winning technology team will be offered the opportunity to be shepherded through the startup phase at an incubator sponsored by SHN, one of the US’s premier corporate venture capitalists. SHN will offer the winning inventors the opportunity to be financed and supported for a year in a start-up incubator as the winning team works to refine and polish their new technology for a share of EnergiFusion’s future value.
Justin and project teammates, Austin, Rhys, and Theo—naming their collaboration EnergiFusion—have created a battery which could replace the concept of a combustion engine as the source of power. And, the innovative battery will be demonstrated in an engine crafted by another friend, Turner Bishop. And while the battery team’s future is dependent on an engineering student who is also a musician, a singer for a local band—Velvet Anomaly—which just got a major record deal, having an engine to demonstrate the possibilities of the innovation tof the battery as the power source is essential.
But, for Justin, as exciting as graduation, the competition, and the well-wishes of friends and family is the chance encounter with a GT co-ed, a junior mathematics major with golden blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes and a sweetness that he has never encountered. Crystal Brown brings a calming peace to Justin in a way he has never experienced. And, since their unexpected meeting, they have spent very little time apart. And, amid all the busyness of the end of college days, the tech competition and the arrival of his awkwardly divided family who are gathering for his graduation, Crystal settles his soul and lightens his heart in ways he has never encountered.
Once more Ainsley St. Clair offers her readers a new exciting series of bright, engaging, creative individuals on the cusp of discovering their destiny in work and in love. I can’t wait to follow the challenges and success in life and love of the EnergiFusion team.
I received this romance as ARC, but have purchased a copy for my personal collection of St. Clair romances.
June 20, 2024
Good start to what I think will be a great series. It begins with 4 roommates who are finishing their senior project at Georgia Tech. They are all brilliant engineers hoping to get some angel funding with their latest invention, an electric battery that is more "green" and environmentally friendly. They meet with 6 venture capitalists. Enter Crystal, finishing her Junior year, academically failing. She can't return to her home in Florida a failure. She needs an "out". She and her roommate Jackie go out to celebrate Jackie's successful year at the local bar where she meets Justin, one of the four roommates who is out waiting to get the results of the showing. She goes home with him and spends the next few weeks with him until school is over. The 4 roommates graduate, get an offer but must relocate to San Francisco. Justin invites Crystal to go with him as he's smitten with her, but he doesn't tell the other roommates. She shows up the morning they leave and the others are shocked, but Justin talks them into her joining them. Something that he has to do happens over and over. There are secrets like her academics and her family dynamics Crystal keeps from Justin. Justin keeps a secret from Crystal too. Crystal becomes a valuable asset to the group while they work perfecting their batteries problem. Many of SHN's characters come back, since they are the venture capitalist firm to fund them, and help them navigate their way. Clear Security almost makes an appearance, I was hoping for more problems in this story, but this story was a bit shorter than usual. I loved Justin and his closeness to his mother, stepdad,siblings and loyalty to his roommates/partners. Just start this story, it flows back and forth between Justin and Crystal, I finished in a day.
June 22, 2024
Justin is standing behind the booth with his three best friends and hoping that today all their sleepless nights will become a reality. The Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center is packed with hundreds of students hoping to get the backing to make their dreams a reality.
He heads to the stage with Austin, Rhys and Theo to give a live demo of their vision... a sustainable electric battery they hope will revolutionize the industry.
Crystal needs this night out with her friend. Booze and dancing to take away the pain of her professor telling her she didn't have what it took to make it in her chosen field. Three years down the drain. Where everyone else was celebrating the end of the year before their senior year Crystal was trying to figure out how to avoid her parent's disappointment.
And then she sees him across the bar. Justin was one of the engineering geniuses on stage today at the expo and he was heading her way. Just what she needed to clear her mind of her failures. One night to take away the pain.
I loved this book. It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This story centers around the guy's invention and their climb for success and Crystal's need to be seen for her part in their success.
This book is action-packed and full of struggles as the five of them share a two-bedroom apartment in San Francisco. This book has its own HEA, but is intended to be read as a series as the background storyline of their business takes a major hit in the cliffhanger at the end of their story.
Highly recommend!
He heads to the stage with Austin, Rhys and Theo to give a live demo of their vision... a sustainable electric battery they hope will revolutionize the industry.
Crystal needs this night out with her friend. Booze and dancing to take away the pain of her professor telling her she didn't have what it took to make it in her chosen field. Three years down the drain. Where everyone else was celebrating the end of the year before their senior year Crystal was trying to figure out how to avoid her parent's disappointment.
And then she sees him across the bar. Justin was one of the engineering geniuses on stage today at the expo and he was heading her way. Just what she needed to clear her mind of her failures. One night to take away the pain.
I loved this book. It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This story centers around the guy's invention and their climb for success and Crystal's need to be seen for her part in their success.
This book is action-packed and full of struggles as the five of them share a two-bedroom apartment in San Francisco. This book has its own HEA, but is intended to be read as a series as the background storyline of their business takes a major hit in the cliffhanger at the end of their story.
Highly recommend!
June 21, 2024
RIVAL CEO IS A SETUP
And I mean that in a good way. I have always loved the author’s books about the billionaires in the San Francisco area. The characters she creates have lives and loves. And the writing. For instance, describing a bustling nightclub she wrote:
“(She was) dragging me into the pulsing heart of the crowd where the bass pounds against my chest like a second heartbeat. I lose myself in the music, in the anonymity. Here, I’m not Crystal, the failed math student. Instead, I’m just another body, moving to the rhythm, another soul trying to find her place in the frenzy”
Rival CEO is another Ainsley St Claire book I looked forward to reading and I’m glad I did. So why not give it a fifth star? Because I felt it missed something. Where was the intrigue and suspense in her other books? It felt more like exactly what it was, a setup for her new tech billionaires series.
It was the kind of book that felt like a prequel introduced to provide background on how they got to San Francisco, made their money and got on with their lives. In fact, she even identifies it in the subtitle as “A Shorter Novel.”
Bottom line: Rival CEO does its job. It’s an interesting and entertaining work, well-worth the time to read it and I’m excited to see what happens in the next several installments of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And I mean that in a good way. I have always loved the author’s books about the billionaires in the San Francisco area. The characters she creates have lives and loves. And the writing. For instance, describing a bustling nightclub she wrote:
“(She was) dragging me into the pulsing heart of the crowd where the bass pounds against my chest like a second heartbeat. I lose myself in the music, in the anonymity. Here, I’m not Crystal, the failed math student. Instead, I’m just another body, moving to the rhythm, another soul trying to find her place in the frenzy”
Rival CEO is another Ainsley St Claire book I looked forward to reading and I’m glad I did. So why not give it a fifth star? Because I felt it missed something. Where was the intrigue and suspense in her other books? It felt more like exactly what it was, a setup for her new tech billionaires series.
It was the kind of book that felt like a prequel introduced to provide background on how they got to San Francisco, made their money and got on with their lives. In fact, she even identifies it in the subtitle as “A Shorter Novel.”
Bottom line: Rival CEO does its job. It’s an interesting and entertaining work, well-worth the time to read it and I’m excited to see what happens in the next several installments of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2024
I haven’t read many of Ainsley’s books, so this is my viewpoint as a relatively new reader of her writing. It was a good read & I enjoyed Rival CEO, but I did find it took me a while to get really involved in the book & it did feel a bit like it was setting the scene for future books in the series.
I thought Justin & Crystal (the main characters) were both pretty needy people & I was concerned for them as they depended on each other a lot as they settled in San Francisco & worked long hours to set up the new business & perfect their product.
I really felt the tensions & anxieties surrounding the main characters as they worked in a start-up in the tech industry & how these affected relationships between them, especially the dynamics between Crystal & the 4 close friends & colleagues (Justin, Austin, Theo & Rhys) whose hopes & dreams of success lay in the start-up. In addition, Crystal has a medical condition that she was keeping secret from Justin, which also caused difficulties between them.
I enjoyed reading this book; I was glad I’d persevered, & I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2024
3.5 Stars
I’m a big Ainsley St. Claire fan, but this book while good, is no match for her previous books. My issues with this one all involve the two MCs, Justin and Crystal.
I found it weird that she hung around after their fling, and then she all but moved in before leaving with him to San Fran. I didn’t really like that Justin invited her to go with him and his partners without mentioning it to them. All of these things come off as being thoughtless to how those actions will directly impact others. And then she asked for something that I instantly knew the other guys were going to have a problem with!
For the most part, the guys didn’t exactly treat her with the respect that I did feel she earned with everything she did end up doing for them and the company, and I thought that it was all resolved. Until it wasn’t!!! Some secrets were kept by both Crystal and Justin that they should have been up front about.
I liked both of these characters but I couldn’t get on board with a lot of the things they did. After reading that sneak peak I’m looking forward to the next in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m a big Ainsley St. Claire fan, but this book while good, is no match for her previous books. My issues with this one all involve the two MCs, Justin and Crystal.
I found it weird that she hung around after their fling, and then she all but moved in before leaving with him to San Fran. I didn’t really like that Justin invited her to go with him and his partners without mentioning it to them. All of these things come off as being thoughtless to how those actions will directly impact others. And then she asked for something that I instantly knew the other guys were going to have a problem with!
For the most part, the guys didn’t exactly treat her with the respect that I did feel she earned with everything she did end up doing for them and the company, and I thought that it was all resolved. Until it wasn’t!!! Some secrets were kept by both Crystal and Justin that they should have been up front about.
I liked both of these characters but I couldn’t get on board with a lot of the things they did. After reading that sneak peak I’m looking forward to the next in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2024
Rival CEO was my first read by author Ainsley St Claire. I really enjoyed this book and I felt like it was the perfect setup for the rest of the series. I love when books have multiple characters that you get a glimpse of in the first book and it sets you up to just want to get to know each character more. That was this book!
Justin and his friends have been working together through college to create a sustainable green battery and are getting ready to pitch their ideas. Crystal is a math student and is struggling, but does not want to continue her current path, but does not want to return home either. The two of them meet at a bar and hit it off. She spends the next few weeks with him and ultimately goes with him and his friends to San Francisco. There are secrets on both sides that need to be revealed. It has a lot of ups and downs as with any start up venture, relationship, family dynamic, or career choice and this is wonderfully written.
This was a really good book and I could not put it down. I am glad I discovered Ainsley St Claire. I will be eagerly anticipating the rest of the books in the series, while discovering her backlist!
Justin and his friends have been working together through college to create a sustainable green battery and are getting ready to pitch their ideas. Crystal is a math student and is struggling, but does not want to continue her current path, but does not want to return home either. The two of them meet at a bar and hit it off. She spends the next few weeks with him and ultimately goes with him and his friends to San Francisco. There are secrets on both sides that need to be revealed. It has a lot of ups and downs as with any start up venture, relationship, family dynamic, or career choice and this is wonderfully written.
This was a really good book and I could not put it down. I am glad I discovered Ainsley St Claire. I will be eagerly anticipating the rest of the books in the series, while discovering her backlist!
June 24, 2024
A new series of men trying to navigate their way to the top of the business food chain, to become billionaire enterpreneurs. Justin, Austin, Rhys and Theo are a solid group with a variety of knowledge and schooling working together to release the electric battery. Through Justin and Crystal's story, we get a front row seat on the transition from finishing college, graduating, moving across the country for an opportunity to the struggle and determination to make their mark in the world. For Justin, add on navigating a new relationship and trying to keep his buddies and business partners all happy. I enjoyed reading this story, getting to meet some new characters, each with their own uniqueness and brilliant minds. Justin and Crystal's relationship is not without its challenges but it makes for a great success story. I look forward to reading about each of these men as they find their partner that balances yet challenges them as the place they call 'home'. Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2024
Justin was celebrating with his friends at a bar where he met Crystal. The attraction was instant between the two. Justin was going places in life and Crystal had dropped out of school, so she took a gamble to move away with Justin so he can start his work on building a new invention of EnergiFusion with his friends. Crystal found it hard to find work and Justin's friends wasn't particularly happy with Crystal not contributing to her living with them in a two bedroom flat until Justin offers her a job at SHN to work along side them doing the paperwork and organizing. Justin will do anything to keep Crystal happy and knows she is the one for him. Although their love is strong, Crystal feels she deserves more respect from his partners. Crystal also has Bipolar and is afraid it will come in between the relationship she has with Justin. I really enjoyed how Crystal and Justin never let anything get in between their relationship. Looking forward to Austin's story next.
June 21, 2024
True Love Can Overcome Anything -
This was a really interesting story about four friends who work together to not only try to become successful, but also want to ensure they are environmentally conscious whilst doing it. However, their path to achieving success doesn’t run smoothly, as they have to try to balance their professional and personal lives, as they find themselves having to make difficult choices. In addition, throw in a workplace relationship whilst living together made their lives a lot more complicated, but their determination to succeed and their hard work got them the results they wanted.
This was a truly invigorating story, that had me the edge of my seat as I eagerly turned the pages. Grab a copy of this book now and you won’t be disappointed. All I can say now is WOW, because if this is book one, then I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a really interesting story about four friends who work together to not only try to become successful, but also want to ensure they are environmentally conscious whilst doing it. However, their path to achieving success doesn’t run smoothly, as they have to try to balance their professional and personal lives, as they find themselves having to make difficult choices. In addition, throw in a workplace relationship whilst living together made their lives a lot more complicated, but their determination to succeed and their hard work got them the results they wanted.
This was a truly invigorating story, that had me the edge of my seat as I eagerly turned the pages. Grab a copy of this book now and you won’t be disappointed. All I can say now is WOW, because if this is book one, then I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2024
We are back in San Francisco with a whole new group of young entrepreneurs. Ainsley uses her fantastic talent to weave a complex and mesmerising dynamic amongst these four wide eyed, new characters.
This book primarily looks at Justin and Crystal's love story. He is a driven, brilliant engineer who is struggling to perfect the invention which, he and his partners have developed.
Crystal is a brilliant young woman who has had a few knocks over the past year and falls head over heels for Justin. The complexity of starting a new venture, meeting and dealing with the powerhouse players of SHN and falling in love, leads to high jinks, frayed tempers, insecurity and apologies all round.
We still have a few cameo appearances from some old favourite characters. I cannot wait to see what the next few books bring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book primarily looks at Justin and Crystal's love story. He is a driven, brilliant engineer who is struggling to perfect the invention which, he and his partners have developed.
Crystal is a brilliant young woman who has had a few knocks over the past year and falls head over heels for Justin. The complexity of starting a new venture, meeting and dealing with the powerhouse players of SHN and falling in love, leads to high jinks, frayed tempers, insecurity and apologies all round.
We still have a few cameo appearances from some old favourite characters. I cannot wait to see what the next few books bring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2024
Let me preface this by saying that I really look forward to a new book by Ainsley St Claire. However this book was very disappointing. If I were told it had been written by another person I would easily believe it, the only evidence of Ms St Claire was the presence of SHN characters. The love story was abysmal and presented on a surface level. There was too much emphasis on the very uninteresting story of the start up struggles. I never felt an affinity with any of the characters much less the MFC and MMC. This fact doesn't bode well for the series. Please get back to your previous really great style of story telling.
Yes this book is a set up for the series however it didn't do it's job in engendering much interest for me. Background for the series could have easily been given as a quick "rundown" in the first book after success was obtained.
PS Crystal was an uninteresting character with a less than stellar name......
Yes this book is a set up for the series however it didn't do it's job in engendering much interest for me. Background for the series could have easily been given as a quick "rundown" in the first book after success was obtained.
PS Crystal was an uninteresting character with a less than stellar name......
June 24, 2024
Rival CEO
By Ainsley St Claire
Main Characters: Justin and Crystal
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars
I love the stories this author writes. I have read and reviewed about 20, and they are mostly 5 stars. This is Book 1 in the Billionaire Secrets series. I just didn't feel the love connection between these two in the beginning. Things change later. This is a younger series about 5 college students. Justin and his 3 friends invent something and are trying to get investors and so they head to California and Crystal who happens to be failing in her field decides to go with them. I miss the mystery and intrigue from her earlier books. I am looking forward to Book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
By Ainsley St Claire
Main Characters: Justin and Crystal
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars
I love the stories this author writes. I have read and reviewed about 20, and they are mostly 5 stars. This is Book 1 in the Billionaire Secrets series. I just didn't feel the love connection between these two in the beginning. Things change later. This is a younger series about 5 college students. Justin and his 3 friends invent something and are trying to get investors and so they head to California and Crystal who happens to be failing in her field decides to go with them. I miss the mystery and intrigue from her earlier books. I am looking forward to Book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2024
This book was an interesting way to pass the time. It was my first read by this author, and while it probably won't be my last, this particular book was just okay. The synopsis sounded promising, but as the chapters went by, the story didn't flow well enough to keep me fully engaged. The emotional depth was lacking.
I had trouble connecting with Justin, our hero. He was just an average guy who believed in his team and sought more opportunities, but he didn't come across as CEO material.
The heroine, Crystal, was a perfect match for Justin, akin to a refreshing glass of water. She was a confidant to him and helped keep his roommates and teammates together, despite the tension it caused.
I'm giving the book three stars for its good editing and some spicy scenes. If you're looking for a way to pass the time, this isn't a bad book to have on your to-be-read shelf.
I had trouble connecting with Justin, our hero. He was just an average guy who believed in his team and sought more opportunities, but he didn't come across as CEO material.
The heroine, Crystal, was a perfect match for Justin, akin to a refreshing glass of water. She was a confidant to him and helped keep his roommates and teammates together, despite the tension it caused.
I'm giving the book three stars for its good editing and some spicy scenes. If you're looking for a way to pass the time, this isn't a bad book to have on your to-be-read shelf.
June 24, 2024
Ainsley does it again! She is the master of technology stories and this one does not disappoint!
I loved that Rival CEO starts with a college assignment and we get to see the project grow into the success that it is. This creates the perfect blend of characters from past Tech Billionaires series with a new generation of modern technology.
The romance story that is woven throughout the book is well done. Justin and Crystal are a great team. While there is no true third quarter angst, we see them struggle with real life issues and handle them with surprising maturity.
Ainsley St. Claire writes a 5 star story in every regard and I would definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I loved that Rival CEO starts with a college assignment and we get to see the project grow into the success that it is. This creates the perfect blend of characters from past Tech Billionaires series with a new generation of modern technology.
The romance story that is woven throughout the book is well done. Justin and Crystal are a great team. While there is no true third quarter angst, we see them struggle with real life issues and handle them with surprising maturity.
Ainsley St. Claire writes a 5 star story in every regard and I would definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 24, 2024
This was a really good book showing how these four young college graduates become entrepreneurs in the business world. The move across the country, navigating this new world, having this great opportunity, trying to build their invention to make it big in the tech world. In the middle of all of it, Justin and Crystal's story also plays out. It's not easy to try and build a relationship during all the struggle, while keeping secrets and everything is so new. Somehow they find a way and this story has a lot happening that gets you ready for the next books in the series. A lot fits into this story. Check it out! Ainsley always gives us great billionaire stories. Can't wait until book 2!
June 23, 2024
Justin and Crystal meet in bar just prior to his graduation. Their attraction is instant and Crystal drops out of school to accompany him and his three friends to San Francisco to begin their new start up tech venture. It is a fairly straightforward romance and introduces us to future books in this series, as well as some old friends from previous series, although it undoubtedly can be read as a standalone. There are secrets being kept, as well as other struggles but the characters are likeable and the story is well written and enjoyable.
June 26, 2024
Another great entrepreneur series from Ainsley. I love having romance along with a fantastic story that is just as interesting!! The characters of Justin and Crystal are strong and very likable. I loved how supportive Justin was for Crystal in her new role supporting the project.
I’ve yet to be disappointed by any of Ainsley’s stories. I highly recommend reading her other book series. I have - several times!! They are so good it’s like get together to catch up with an old friend. Can’t say enough other than to dive in and enjoy!!
I’ve yet to be disappointed by any of Ainsley’s stories. I highly recommend reading her other book series. I have - several times!! They are so good it’s like get together to catch up with an old friend. Can’t say enough other than to dive in and enjoy!!
June 27, 2024
I really enjoyed Crystal and Justin's story. I'm not usually a fan of college-age romances, but this one was a mature story, with mature themes, so it just worked. I really felt for Crystal, having worked in the same industry as she found herself in, I can empathise with being undervalued and underappreciated. I also loved that Justin's love was unwavering throughout, and that there was no third-act break up. And I definitely enjoyed having SHN involved.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2024
This new series is a bit different from the others. It was missing the mystery and intrigue. The main characters meet at college, and after knowing each other about a month, she heads across country with him and his three roommates. I enjoyed that the characters at SHN from previous books were included. Crystal and Justin have a good friendship, but the other roommates do not treat her very well. 3.5 is my rating.
June 19, 2024
Excellent and entertaining characters and storyline. Four guys are working to build their dream which takes extremely long hours and hard work. Crystal meets Justin at a bar and they hit it off. She decides to work with the team. Every one of the guys is given a title and Justin is CEO. There’s drama as well as personal and professional ups and downs. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading future books by Ms St Claire.
June 24, 2024
Great book, I couldn't put it down!
I loved Justin and Crystal's story..it was great to see group dynamic and how they went from school to getting ready to launch.
It was great to see the Tech Billionaires pop in the story and the book is a great foundation for what happens with the rest of the group!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved Justin and Crystal's story..it was great to see group dynamic and how they went from school to getting ready to launch.
It was great to see the Tech Billionaires pop in the story and the book is a great foundation for what happens with the rest of the group!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2024
This book is the start of a Billionaire story. It follows 4 friends before they made it big, but you can imagine by book 4, set a few years in the future how they will be as billionaires. I am glad we got Justin's story first. He is such a sweet guy, I don't think he will change over time. We have the cute Crystal, who at first you are thinking "what are you doing", but then it slowly makes sense. I mean I went from agreeing with her Mum's wellness check to hmmm maybe she's got it handled.
I am so excited by this series. Its snappy, with a good pace and good character development and the spice is there from the start, but in this book its an equal power balance, even if Crystal is a bit lost. Austin is next! Cannot wait.
I am so excited by this series. Its snappy, with a good pace and good character development and the spice is there from the start, but in this book its an equal power balance, even if Crystal is a bit lost. Austin is next! Cannot wait.
June 25, 2024
I loved this book, it’s full of so many intelligent, intriguing characters. It was great how Justin and Crystal were able to work together and build each other up. Their relationship was challenged by outside entities, but they never gave up. I loved how Crystal was able to achieve anything she attempted. I didn’t want to put this book down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2024
This was Justin and Crystal’s story. Justin is a whirlwind of brilliance and ambition that sweeps everyone along with him—including Crystal. The first kiss was an accident. Before he moved to California, and she needed to figure out her life. They were supposed to keep it casual. But then he invited her to join him. He’s the only one who believes in her. It was an intriguing read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
June 14, 2024
Justin and Crystal jumpstarts this exciting new series that had e all caught up in it. Crystal was at a crossroad in her life but when Justin invites her to Join him in California it will start their path and I can't wait to see where it leads them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2024
Justin and his friends are on the precipice of greatness after creating a green battery for electric cars. Crystal is struggling in college but a night out is going to change her life forever. This is a great book. I could not put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2024
I loved the setting of this new series. Centering on Justin and Crystal, the story of their meeting and romance while Justin and his college friends are trying to get into the high tech industry. Ainsley has taken a different approach this series and I love her for it. I found myself rooting for Crystal and Justin while wanting them to succeed knowing the group will succeed in their aspirations.
June 25, 2024
I genuinely enjoyed this book! It is a little bit different from what I have been reading. I am usually not an enemies to lovers book trope person. But this one caught my attention. It drew me in and I can’t wait for the next book! It was an easy read but also had me in my feels from time to time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2024
A great start into a new 4 book series.
This story introduces us to 4 college friends that competed for the chance to have SHN fund their start up.
Justin and Crystal had chemistry from the start and although a shorter story. Still a great story and can't wait to see where she goes with these guys.
This story introduces us to 4 college friends that competed for the chance to have SHN fund their start up.
Justin and Crystal had chemistry from the start and although a shorter story. Still a great story and can't wait to see where she goes with these guys.
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